Spirituality
22 Mar 16
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02 Apr 16
Originally posted by FMFComparing ourselves among ourselves is not wise, compare yourself to Jesus.
OK, so, the atheists are of no concern to you because their "position is understandable and expected." But you see some Christians here not being "Christ like" enough. Neither you or KellyJay are willing to address the problem you see here by tackling the Christians you mentioned head on and candidly. You say: "What does it take for us as Christians to be more C ...[text shortened]... as less "Christ like". Who are the Christians you're talking about ~ you won't say. Why is that?
I do not give Atheist's a pass, I just mean I understand it is in their nature to cause strife. They can't help themselves.
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02 Apr 16
Originally posted by divegeesterI misunderstood your use of "contention". Yes of course there is contention in this forum, it is a debate forum. The whole purpose of this forum is to debate strongly held issues, so there is bound to be contention don't you think? This is not a bible study group, or a worship meeting of like-minded individuals, it's a debate forum.
I misunderstood your use of "contention". Yes of course there is contention in this forum, it is a debate forum. The whole purpose of this forum is to debate strongly held issues, so there is bound to be contention don't you think? This is not a bible study group, or a worship meeting of like-minded individuals, it's a debate forum.
You and KellyJay a ...[text shortened]... you?
You both seem to think you are the solution, when in fact you are part of the problem.
Agreed..
You and KellyJay are pointedly calling out some nameless Christians here for causing strife
I don't know about KellyJay, I am pointing out no one in particular, and everyone.
You are saying it's "Christians" because you excuse the atheists. You are accusing these namesless Christian people of causing strife through "pride" and "foolishness" and of being "mockers".You do this from behind the safety of your keyboard lacking the courage and forthrightness to address people head on, face to face so to speak.
I pointed out to FMF that it is expected from Atheist's, yes. As I said, no one in particular because we are all to blame. Why are you so defensive about this?
Do you excuse yourself? Are you convicted?
If I am critiqued about a matter, I will consider it, look at myself, ask God to show me a fault, sin or something that shouldn't be.
I will thank the person who pointed it out and I will move on from there. If it is simply an attack, I will let go. I will not let eat away at me like a cancer.
Prov 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
NKJV
02 Apr 16
Originally posted by checkbaiterI think you quoting more scripture at me is a little misguided, don't you? Especially as I am neither your "friend" nor your "enemy".
[b]I misunderstood your use of "contention". Yes of course there is contention in this forum, it is a debate forum. The whole purpose of this forum is to debate strongly held issues, so there is bound to be contention don't you think? This is not a bible study group, or a worship meeting of like-minded individuals, it's a debate forum.
Agreed..
...[text shortened]... :6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
NKJV
[/b][/b]
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Originally posted by checkbaiterI don't think it's in an atheist's nature necessarily to cause strife, it's just in our nature to ask difficult questions (which may result in strife for theists).
Comparing ourselves among ourselves is not wise, compare yourself to Jesus.
I do not give Atheist's a pass, I just mean I understand it is in their nature to cause strife. They can't help themselves.
Why is there evil in the world? How is this compatible with an all-loving, all-powerful God etc etc.- If God was everything he was cracked up to be, atheists wouldn't ask such questions and a theist's life would be strife free.
In a nutshell, strife has a divine origin.
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02 Apr 16
Originally posted by divegeesterWell, if you are a Christian, you are more than a friend...you are a brother.
I think you quoting more scripture at me is a little misguided, don't you? Especially as I am neither your "friend" nor your "enemy".
Quoting scripture is never wrong in my mind.
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02 Apr 16
Originally posted by Ghost of a DukeI don't think it's in an atheist's nature necessarily to cause strife, it's just in our nature to ask difficult questions (which may result in strife for theists).
I don't think it's in an atheist's nature necessarily to cause strife, it's just in our nature to ask difficult questions (which may result in strife for theists).
Why is there evil in the world? How is this compatible with an all-loving, all-powerful God etc etc.- If God was everything he was cracked up to be, atheists wouldn't ask such questions and a theist's life would be strife free.
In a nutshell, strife has a divine origin.
An Atheist nature is the "natural man". It is governed by worldly appetites, lust, greed, etc.
It does not mean you display many of these traits, but they are there, sometimes to the surprise of the person.
Having said that, notice I did NOT say Christians don't display any of these tendencies. They reside in the Christian as well. However, the Christian is commanded to renew their mind according to the scriptures.
Christians who are carnal, do not seem any different that an unbeliever. This is Theology 101, so to speak. This is why it is crucial for Christians to read God's word, believe it and act upon it, or obey it.
God has made over 900 promises to believers, but sadly most believers only know 1 or 2. They live and behave just like unbelievers. They have the same fears, worries, etc.
Why is there evil in the world? How is this compatible with an all-loving, all-powerful God etc etc.- If God was everything he was cracked up to be, atheists wouldn't ask such questions and a theist's life would be strife free. In a nutshell, strife has a divine origin
All good questions and sometimes difficult to answer, especially when Christians aren't like-minded. There are so many denominations, sects, etc.
So you would get a multiplicity of different answers to your questions.
This is one of the main reasons I avoid "traditional Christianity". To find truth takes hard work, study, comparing verses with verses, etc. I like these proverbs...
Prov 25:2
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
NKJV
Prov 2:1-5
My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.
NKJV
Originally posted by checkbaiterWell the thing is I agree in part Jesus is the standard not ourselves, that said we cannot
Comparing ourselves among ourselves is not wise, compare yourself to Jesus.
I do not give Atheist's a pass, I just mean I understand it is in their nature to cause strife. They can't help themselves.
lay the blame on Atheist since they are no different than us in makeup. The Spirit of God
in us is the difference as we walk with God there will be a difference in our actions, but
if we are in the flesh we have all the same short falls as anyone else. Since that is true
we run the risk of all greatest blunders of mankind with respect to God, example think of
what those that killed Jesus did, they did that after seeing God move in the lives of others
and still remained stiff necked.
When I saw the passage where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead they not only plotted
to kill Jesus but Lazarus too. You must have a very dark heart to see the power of God in
such a powerful way and maintain your rebellion to God. When I dwell on that I started
wondering "Lord is there anything your trying to show me that I'm blocking?" I am after
all in the flesh no different than them.
If we cannot look at ourselves without justifying ourselves by making others look bad I
think that is a bad sign for us. I may think I'm better off by seeing the fault in another, but
I have my fair share too and they are as bad or worse. So Grace, Mercy, and Love from
God should be our goal, not attempting to make ourselves look good by making others
look bad, we all look bad in the flesh.